Semiconductor device and method for producing a semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device includes four or more first memory cells arranged on a row, the first memory cells each including a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate insulating film formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate line formed around the first gate insulating film, and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. The semiconductor device further includes a first source line that connects lower portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers to each other, a first bit line that extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first gate line extends and that is connected to an upper portion of the first magnetic tunnel junction storage element, and a second source line that extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first source line extends.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation, under 35 U.S.C. §120, of copending international application No. PCT/JP2014/053170, filed Feb. 12, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for producing a semiconductor device.

In recent years, magnetoresistive random access memories have been developed (refer to, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-93592).

In the typical structure of a spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) array illustrated in FIG. 6B of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-93592, a source line (SL) is parallel to word lines (WL) and is perpendicular to bit lines (BL). In the case where this structure is formed using planar transistors, as illustrated in FIG. 6B of the publication, one source line is necessary for two memory cells, and one source line is arranged between word lines. That layout increases the area used for a bit-cell array and has large bit-cell dimensions.

A surrounding gate transistor (hereinafter referred to as “SGT”) having a structure in which a source, a gate, and a drain are arranged to have a pillar shape in a direction perpendicular to a substrate and a gate electrode surrounds the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer has been proposed (refer to, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-356314).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable to provide a structure of a memory which includes a magnetic tunnel junction storage element and whose cell area can be reduced, and a method for producing the memory.

A semiconductor device according to an aspect of the present invention includes four or more first memory cells arranged on a row, the first memory cells each including a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate insulating film formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate line formed around the first gate insulating film, and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; a first source line that connects lower portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers to each other; a first bit line that extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first gate line extends and that is connected to an upper portion of the first magnetic tunnel junction storage element; and a second source line that extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first source line extends.

The semiconductor device may include a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer arranged on the row on which the first memory cells are arranged, a second gate insulating film formed around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second gate line formed around the second gate insulating film. In this case, a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer may be connected to the first source line, and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer may be connected to the second source line.

The semiconductor device may include a first fin-shaped semiconductor layer formed on a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film formed around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second diffusion layer formed in lower portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers and in a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. In this case, the second diffusion layer may be further formed in the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, and the second diffusion layer may function as the first source line.

The semiconductor device may include a first diffusion layer formed in upper portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers, and a third diffusion layer formed in an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

The first gate line and the second gate line may each be made of a metal.

A width of each of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends may be equal to a width of the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends.

The first gate insulating film may be further provided around and on a bottom portion of the first gate line.

A cross section of the first magnetic tunnel junction storage element formed on each of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers may have the same shape as a cross section of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

A method for producing a semiconductor device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first step of forming a first fin-shaped semiconductor layer on a semiconductor substrate, and forming a first insulating film around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer; a second step of, after the first step, forming a second insulating film around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, depositing a first polysilicon on the second insulating film and planarizing the first polysilicon, forming a second resist for forming first and second gate lines, a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends, and etching the first polysilicon, the second insulating film, and the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer to form a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first dummy gate derived from the first polysilicon, a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second dummy gate derived from the first polysilicon; a third step of, after the second step, forming a fourth insulating film around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the first dummy gate, and the second dummy gate, depositing a second polysilicon around the fourth insulating film, and etching the second polysilicon so as to remain on side walls of the first dummy gate, the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the second dummy gate, and the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer to form a third dummy gate and a fourth dummy gate; a fourth step of, after the third step, forming a second diffusion layer in an upper portion of the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, forming a fifth insulating film around the third dummy gate and the fourth dummy gate, etching the fifth insulating film so as to remain as a sidewall to form a sidewall formed of the fifth insulating film, and forming a compound of a metal and a semiconductor in an upper portion of the second diffusion layer to form a first source line; a fifth step of, after the fourth step, depositing an interlayer insulating film and performing planarization to expose upper portions of the first dummy gate, the second dummy gate, the third dummy gate, and the fourth dummy gate, removing the first dummy gate, the second dummy gate, the third dummy gate, and the fourth dummy gate, removing the second insulating film and the fourth insulating film, forming a gate insulating film which is to become first and second gate insulating films around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and inside the fifth insulating film, depositing a metal and performing etch-back to form a first gate line around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and a second gate line around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; a sixth step of, after the fifth step, depositing a second interlayer insulating film and performing planarization to expose an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and forming a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; and a seventh step of, after the sixth step, forming a second source line on the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

The method for producing a semiconductor device may further include, after the deposition of the first polysilicon on the second insulating film and the planarization of the first polysilicon, forming a third insulating film on the first polysilicon.

The method for producing a semiconductor device may further include, after the formation of the fourth insulating film around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the first dummy gate, the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and the second dummy gate, forming a third resist and performing etch-back to expose an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped silicon layer and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped silicon layer, forming a first diffusion layer in an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped silicon layer, and forming a third diffusion layer in an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped silicon layer.

According to the aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a structure of a memory which includes a magnetic tunnel junction storage element and whose cell area can be reduced, and a method for producing the memory.

A semiconductor device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate insulating film formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate line formed around the first gate insulating film, and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. With this structure, the cell area can be reduced, and a first source line and a first bit line can be formed in different hierarchies. Since the semiconductor device includes a second source line that extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first source line extends, a single second source line is provided for four or more first memory cells. Since the single second source line is shared with four or more first memory cells, the cell area can be reduced. One second source line is preferably shared with 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 first memory cells.

The semiconductor device may include a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer arranged on the row on which the first memory cells are arranged, a second gate insulating film formed around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second gate line formed around the second gate insulating film, in which a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is connected to the first source line, and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is connected to the second source line. With this structure, the first source line can be connected to the second source line through a transistor formed by the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. Accordingly, it is not necessary to form a deep contact extending from an upper portion of a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer to a fin-shaped semiconductor layer.

Adjacent fin-shaped semiconductor layers can be isolated from each other by the first insulating film. Sources of the first memory cells can be connected to each other using the second diffusion layer formed in the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer. The second diffusion layer can function as the first source line.

The first gate line and the second gate line may each be made of a metal. In this case, a high-speed operation can be performed.

A width of each of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends may be equal to a width of the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends. With this structure, a fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a gate line are formed using two masks arranged perpendicular to each other, and thus misalignment can be prevented.

The first gate insulating film may be further provided around and on a bottom portion of the first gate line. With this structure, the semiconductor device is formed by a gate-last process, and thus reliable insulation between a gate line and a fin-shaped semiconductor layer can be realized.

A cross section of the first magnetic tunnel junction storage element formed on each of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers may have the same shape as a cross section of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. With this structure, in the case where a magnetic tunnel junction storage element and a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer are integrally formed, the number of steps can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a plan view of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 23A.

FIG. 24A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 25A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 25A.

FIG. 26A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 28A.

FIG. 29A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 29B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 29A.

FIG. 30A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 30A.

FIG. 31A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 31A.

FIG. 32A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 32B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 32A.

FIG. 33A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 33B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 33A.

FIG. 34A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 34B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 34A.

FIG. 35A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 35B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 35A.

FIG. 36A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 36B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 36A.

FIG. 37A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 37B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 37A.

FIG. 38A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 38B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 38A.

FIG. 39A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 39B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 39A.

FIG. 40A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 40B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 40A.

FIG. 41A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 41B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 42A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 42B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 42A.

FIG. 43A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 43B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 43A.

FIG. 44A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 44B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 44A.

FIG. 45A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 45B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 45A.

FIG. 46A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 46B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 46A.

FIG. 47A is a plan view illustrating a method for producing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 47B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 47A.

FIG. 48A is a plan view of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 48B is a sectional view taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 48A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIGS. 1A and 1B thereof, there is shown a structure of a semiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In a first column of a first row of the semiconductor device, a first memory cell 201 is provided. The first memory cell 201 includes a first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103 formed on a semiconductor substrate 101, a first insulating film 104 formed around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103, a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 113 formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103, a first gate insulating film 132 a formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 113, a first gate line 133 a formed around the first gate insulating film 132 a and extending in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103 extends, a second diffusion layer 126 formed in a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 113, a first diffusion layer 120 formed in an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 113, and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element (136 a, 137 a, and 138 a) formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 113.

The first magnetic tunnel junction storage element includes a pinned layer 136 a, a tunnel barrier layer 137 a, and a free layer 138 a. A lower electrode 135 a is provided between the pinned layer 136 a and the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 113. An upper electrode 139 a is provided on the free layer 138 a.

In a second column of the first row, a first memory cell 202 is provided. The first memory cell 202 includes a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 114 formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103, a first gate insulating film 132 b formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 114, a first gate line 133 b formed around the first gate insulating film 132 b, the second diffusion layer 126 formed in a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 114, a first diffusion layer 121 formed in an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 114, and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element (136 b, 137 b, and 138 b) formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 114.

The first magnetic tunnel junction storage element includes a pinned layer 136 b, a tunnel barrier layer 137 b, and a free layer 138 b. A lower electrode 135 b is provided between the pinned layer 136 b and the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 114. An upper electrode 139 b is provided on the free layer 138 b.

In a fourth column of the first row, a first memory cell 203 is provided. The first memory cell 203 includes a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 116 formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103, a first gate insulating film 132 d formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 116, a first gate line 133 d formed around the first gate insulating film 132 d, the second diffusion layer 126 formed in a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 116, a first diffusion layer 123 formed in an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 116, and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element (136 c, 137 c, and 138 c) formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 116.

The first magnetic tunnel junction storage element includes a pinned layer 136 c, a tunnel barrier layer 137 c, and a free layer 138 c. A lower electrode 135 c is provided between the pinned layer 136 c and the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 116. An upper electrode 139 c is provided on the free layer 138 c.

In a fifth column of the first row, a first memory cell 204 is provided. The first memory cell 204 includes a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 117 formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103, a first gate insulating film 132 e formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 117, a first gate line 133 e formed around the first gate insulating film 132 e, the second diffusion layer 126 formed in a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 117, a first diffusion layer 124 formed in an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 117, and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element (136 d, 137 d, and 138 d) formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 117.

The first magnetic tunnel junction storage element includes a pinned layer 136 d, a tunnel barrier layer 137 d, and a free layer 138 d. A lower electrode 135 d is provided between the pinned layer 136 d and the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 117. An upper electrode 139 d is provided on the free layer 138 d.

The second diffusion layer 126 is further formed in the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103. The second diffusion layer 126 functions as a first source line.

The four first memory cells 201, 202, 203, and 204 are arranged on one row. The lower portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers 113, 114, 116, and 117 are connected to each other through the second diffusion layer 126, and function as the first source line. In this embodiment, four first memory cells are arranged. Alternatively, the number of the first memory cells arranged may be 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128.

The upper electrodes 139 a, 139 b, 139 c, and 139 d are connected to each other through a first bit line 149 a that extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first gate lines 133 a, 133 b, 133 d, and 133 e extend.

The semiconductor device further includes a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 115 formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103, a second gate insulating film 132 c formed around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 115, a second gate line 133 c formed around the second gate insulating film 132 c and extending in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103 extends, the second diffusion layer 126 formed in a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 115, and a third diffusion layer 122 formed in an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 115.

The second diffusion layer formed in the lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 115 is connected to the second diffusion layer 126 formed in the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer 103 and thus is connected to the first source line.

The third diffusion layer 122 formed in the upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 115 is connected to a second source line 147 a.

The second source line 147 a extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the second diffusion layer 126 functioning as the first source line extends.

Silicides 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d are formed in upper portions of the second diffusion layer 126.

The first gate lines 133 a, 133 b, 133 d, and 133 e and the second gate line 133 c are preferably made of a metal.

As illustrated in FIGS. 48A and 48B, a cross section of each of the first magnetic tunnel junction storage elements formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers may have the same shape as a cross section of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. When the magnetic tunnel junction storage elements and the pillar-shaped semiconductor layers are integrally formed, the number of steps can be reduced.

A production process for forming a structure of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 47B.

A description will be made of a first step of forming a first fin-shaped semiconductor layer on a semiconductor substrate, and forming a first insulating film around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer. A silicon substrate is used in the present embodiment, but the substrate may be made of another semiconductor material.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first resist 102 for forming a fin-shaped silicon layer is formed on a silicon substrate 101.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the silicon substrate 101 is etched to form a first fin-shaped silicon layer 103. In this embodiment, the fin-shaped silicon layer is formed using a resist as a mask. Alternatively, a hard mask such as an oxide film or a nitride film may be used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first resist 102 is removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a first insulating film 104 is deposited around the first fin-shaped silicon layer 103. An oxide film formed with high-density plasma or an oxide film formed by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) may be used as the first insulating film 104.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first insulating film 104 is etched-back to expose an upper portion of the first fin-shaped silicon layer 103.

Thus, the first step has been described. Specifically, the first step includes forming a first fin-shaped semiconductor layer on a semiconductor substrate, and forming a first insulating film around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer.

Next, a description will be made of a second step of forming a second insulating film around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, depositing a first polysilicon on the second insulating film and planarizing the first polysilicon, forming a second resist for forming first and second gate lines, a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends, and etching the first polysilicon, the second insulating film, and the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer to form a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first dummy gate derived from the first polysilicon, a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second dummy gate derived from the first polysilicon.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a second insulating film 105 is formed around the first fin-shaped silicon layer 103. The second insulating film 105 is preferably an oxide film.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a first polysilicon 106 is deposited on the second insulating film 105 and is planarized.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a third insulating film 107 is formed on the first polysilicon 106. The third insulating film 107 is preferably a nitride film.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, second resists 108, 109, 110, 111, and 112 for forming first and second gate lines, first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers, and a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer are formed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped silicon layer 103 extends.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the third insulating film 107, the first polysilicon 106, the second insulating film 105, and the first fin-shaped silicon layer 103 are etched to form first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117 and first dummy gates 106 a, 106 b, 106 d, and 106 e derived from the first polysilicon, a second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115, and a second dummy gate 106 c derived from the first polysilicon. At this time, the third insulating film 107 is divided into third insulating films 107 a, 107 b, 107 c, 107 d, and 107 e, and the second insulating film 105 is divided into second insulating films 105 a, 105 b, 105 c, 105 d, and 105 e. In the case where the second resists 108, 109, 110, 111, and 112 are removed during this etching, the third insulating films 107 a, 107 b, 107 c, 107 d, and 107 e function as a hard mask. In the case where the second resists are not removed during the etching, the third insulating film need not be used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the second resists 108, 109, 110, 111, and 112 are removed.

Thus, the second step has been described. Specifically, the second step includes forming a second insulating film around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, depositing a first polysilicon on the second insulating film and planarizing the first polysilicon, forming a second resist for forming first and second gate lines, a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends, and etching the first polysilicon, the second insulating film, and the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer to form a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first dummy gate derived from the first polysilicon, a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second dummy gate derived from the first polysilicon.

Next, a description will be made of a third step of forming a fourth insulating film around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the first dummy gate, and the second dummy gate, depositing a second polysilicon around the fourth insulating film, and etching the second polysilicon so as to remain on side walls of the first dummy gate, the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the second dummy gate, and the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer to form a third dummy gate and a fourth dummy gate.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a fourth insulating film 118 is formed around the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117, the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115, the first dummy gates 106 a, 106 b, 106 d, and 106 e, and the second dummy gate 106 c. The fourth insulating film 118 is preferably an oxide film.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a third resist 119 is formed and etched-back to expose upper portions of the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117 and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, an impurity is introduced to form first diffusion layers 120, 121, 123, and 124 in upper portions of the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117. A third diffusion layer 122 is formed in an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115. In the case of an n-type diffusion layer, arsenic or phosphorus is preferably introduced. In the case of a p-type diffusion layer, boron is preferably introduced.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the third resist 119 is removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a second polysilicon 125 is deposited around the fourth insulating film 118.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the second polysilicon 125 is etched so as to remain on side walls of the first dummy gates 106 a, 106 b, 106 d, and 106 e, the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117, the second dummy gate 106 c, and the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115 to form third dummy gates 125 a, 125 b, 125 d, and 125 e and a fourth dummy gate 125 c. At this time, the fourth insulating film 118 may be divided into fourth insulating films 118 a, 118 b, 118 c, 118 d, and 118 e.

Thus, the third step has been described. Specifically, the third step includes forming a fourth insulating film around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the first dummy gate, and the second dummy gate, depositing a second polysilicon around the fourth insulating film, and etching the second polysilicon so as to remain on side walls of the first dummy gate, the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the second dummy gate, and the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer to form a third dummy gate and a fourth dummy gate.

Next, a description will be made of a fourth step of forming a second diffusion layer in an upper portion of the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, forming a fifth insulating film around the third dummy gate and the fourth dummy gate, etching the fifth insulating film so as to remain as a sidewall to form a sidewall formed of the fifth insulating film, and forming a compound of a metal and a semiconductor in an upper portion of the second diffusion layer to form a first source line.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, an impurity is introduced to form a second diffusion layer 126 in lower portions of the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117, a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115, and an upper portion of the first fin-shaped silicon layer 103. In the case of an n-type diffusion layer, arsenic or phosphorus is preferably introduced. In the case of a p-type diffusion layer, boron is preferably introduced. The diffusion layer may be formed after formation of sidewalls formed of a fifth insulating film described below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a fifth insulating film 127 is formed around the third dummy gates 125 a, 125 b, 125 d, and 125 e and the fourth dummy gate 125 c. The fifth insulating film 127 is preferably a nitride film.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the fifth insulating film 127 is etched so as to remain as sidewalls. Thus, sidewalls 127 a, 127 b, 127 c, 127 d, and 127 e formed of the fifth insulating film are formed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, metal-semiconductor compounds 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d are formed in upper portions of the second diffusion layer 126. At this time, metal-semiconductor compounds 129 a, 129 b, 129 d, 129 e, and 129 c may be formed in upper portions of the third dummy gates 125 a, 125 b, 125 d, and 125 e and in an upper portion of the fourth dummy gate 125 c, respectively.

Thus, the fourth step has been described. Specifically, the fourth step includes forming a second diffusion layer in an upper portion of the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, forming a fifth insulating film around the third dummy gate and the fourth dummy gate, etching the fifth insulating film so as to remain as a sidewall to form a sidewall formed of the fifth insulating film, and forming a compound of a metal and a semiconductor in an upper portion of the second diffusion layer to form a first source line.

Next, a description will be made of a fifth step of depositing an interlayer insulating film and performing planarization to expose upper portions of the first dummy gate, the second dummy gate, the third dummy gate, and the fourth dummy gate, removing the first dummy gate, the second dummy gate, the third dummy gate, and the fourth dummy gate, removing the second insulating film and the fourth insulating film, forming a gate insulating film which is to become first and second gate insulating films around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and inside the fifth insulating film, depositing a metal and performing etch-back to form a first gate line around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and a second gate line around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

As illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B, a nitride film 130 is deposited, and an interlayer insulating film 131 is deposited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24A and 24B, chemical mechanical polishing is performed to expose upper portions of the first dummy gates 106 a, 106 b, 106 d, and 106 e, the second dummy gate 106 c, the third dummy gates 125 a, 125 b, 125 d, and 125 e, and the fourth dummy gate 125 c. At this time, the metal-semiconductor compounds 129 a, 129 b, 129 d, 129 e in upper portions of the third dummy gates 125 a, 125 b, 125 d, and 125 e and the metal-semiconductor compound 129 c in an upper portion of the fourth dummy gate 125 c are removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the first dummy gates 106 a, 106 b, 106 d, and 106 e, the second dummy gate 106 c, the third dummy gates 125 a, 125 b, 125 d, and 125 e, and the fourth dummy gate 125 c are removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the second insulating films 105 a, 105 b, 105 c, 105 d, and 105 e and the fourth insulating films 118 a, 118 b, 118 c, 118 d, and 118 e are removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27A and 27B, a gate insulating film 132 which is to become first and second gate insulating films is formed around the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117, around the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115, and inside the fifth insulating films 127 a, 127 b, 127 c, 127 d, and 127 e.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28A and 28B, a metal 133 is deposited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the metal 133 is etched-back to form first gate lines 133 a, 133 b, 133 d, and 133 e around the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117 and to form a second gate line 133 c around the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115.

Thus, the fifth step has been described. Specifically, the fifth step includes depositing an interlayer insulating film and performing planarization to expose upper portions of the first dummy gate, the second dummy gate, the third dummy gate, and the fourth dummy gate, removing the first dummy gate, the second dummy gate, the third dummy gate, and the fourth dummy gate, removing the second insulating film and the fourth insulating film, forming a gate insulating film which is to become first and second gate insulating films around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and inside the fifth insulating film, depositing a metal and performing etch-back to form a first gate line around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and a second gate line around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

Next, a description will be made of a sixth step of depositing a second interlayer insulating film and performing planarization to expose an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and forming a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

As illustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B, a second interlayer insulating film 134 is deposited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the second interlayer insulating film 134 is etched-back to expose upper portions of the first pillar-shaped silicon layers 113, 114, 116, and 117 and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped silicon layer 115. At this time, the gate insulating film 132 is divided into first gate insulating films 132 a, 132 b, 132 d, and 132 e and a second gate insulating film 132 c. The second interlayer insulating film 134 is divided into second interlayer insulating films 134 a, 134 b, 134 c, 134 d, and 134 e.

As illustrated in FIGS. 32A and 32B, a metal 135 for a lower electrode, a film 136 for a pinned layer, a film 137 for a tunnel barrier layer, a film 138 for a free layer, and a metal 139 for an upper electrode are deposited. The film 136 for a pinned layer is preferably made of CoFeB. The film 137 for a tunnel barrier layer is preferably made of MgO. The film 138 for a free layer is preferably made of CoFeB. Alternatively, a double-MgO free layer structure may be formed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B, fifth resists 140, 141, 142, and 143 for forming first magnetic tunnel junction storage elements are formed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 34A and 34B, the metal 135 for a lower electrode, the film 136 for a pinned layer, the film 137 for a tunnel barrier layer, the film 138 for a free layer, and the metal 139 for an upper electrode are etched. The metal 135 for a lower electrode is divided into lower electrodes 135 a, 135 b, 135 c, and 135 d. The film 136 for a pinned layer is divided into pinned layers 136 a, 136 b, 136 c, and 136 d. The film 137 for a tunnel barrier layer is divided into tunnel barrier layers 137 a, 137 b, 137 c, and 137 d. The film 138 for a free layer is divided into free layers 138 a, 138 b, 138 c, and 138 d. The metal 139 for an upper electrode is divided into upper electrodes 139 a, 139 b, 139 c, and 139 d.

As illustrated in FIGS. 35A and 35B, the fifth resists 140, 141, 142, and 143 are removed.

Thus, the sixth step has been described. Specifically, the sixth step includes depositing a second interlayer insulating film and performing planarization to expose an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and forming a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

Next, a description will be made of a seventh step of forming a second source line on the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.

As illustrated in FIGS. 36A and 36B, a third interlayer insulating film 144 is deposited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 37A and 37B, a sixth resist 145 is formed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the third interlayer insulating film 144 is etched to form a source line groove 146.

As illustrated in FIGS. 39A and 39B, the sixth resist 145 is removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 40A and 40B, a metal 147 is deposited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 41A and 41B, the metal 147 is etched-back to form a second source line 147 a.

Thus, the seventh step of forming a second source line on the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer has been described.

Next, a step of forming a first bit line will be described.

As illustrated in FIGS. 42A and 42B, a fourth interlayer insulating film 148 is deposited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 43A and 43B, the fourth interlayer insulating film 148 is etched-back to expose upper portions of the upper electrodes 139 a, 139 b, 139 c, and 139 d. The fourth interlayer insulating film 148 remains in the source line groove 146 and becomes a fourth interlayer insulating film 148 a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 44A and 44B, a metal 149 is deposited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 45A and 45B, a seventh resist 150 for forming a bit line is formed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 46A and 46B, the metal 149 is etched to form a first bit line 149 a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 47A and 47B, the seventh resist 150 is removed.

Thus, the step of forming a first bit line has been described.

Thus, the production process for forming a structure of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

It is to be understood that various embodiments and modifications of the present invention can be made without departing from the broad spirit and the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described above are illustrative examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

For example, a method for producing a semiconductor device in which the p-type (including p⁺-type) and the n-type (including n⁺-type) in the above-described embodiments are changed to the opposite conductivity types and a semiconductor device produced by the method are also obviously within the technical scope of the present invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor device, comprising: at least four first memory cells arranged on a row, said first memory cells each including: a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; a first gate insulating film formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; a first gate line formed around the first gate insulating film; and a first magnetic tunnel junction storage element formed on the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; a first source line connecting lower portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers to each other; a first bit line extending in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the first gate line and connecting to an upper portion of the first magnetic tunnel junction storage element; and a second source line extending in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the first source line.
 2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer arranged on the row on which the first memory cells are arranged; a second gate insulating film formed around the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; and a second gate line formed around the second gate insulating film, wherein a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is connected to the first source line, and an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is connected to the second source line.
 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, further comprising: a first fin-shaped semiconductor layer formed on a semiconductor substrate; a first insulating film formed around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer; the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer; the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer formed on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer; and a second diffusion layer formed in lower portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers and in a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, wherein the second diffusion layer is further formed in the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, and the second diffusion layer functions as the first source line.
 4. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, further comprising: a first diffusion layer formed in upper portions of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers; and a third diffusion layer formed in an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.
 5. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, wherein the first gate line and the second gate line are each made of a metal.
 6. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, wherein a width of each of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends is equal to a width of the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer extends.
 7. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, wherein the first gate insulating film is further provided around and on a bottom portion of the first gate line.
 8. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of the first magnetic tunnel junction storage element formed on each of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layers has the same shape as a cross section of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. 